Compaq set to launch iPAQ range

By MICHAEL FOREMAN

Compaq is to launch its internet-centric iPAQ range of computers, consisting of a low-cost desktop model and a futuristic handheld device.

Compaq announced it would start shipping its replacement for the short-lived Aero handheld computer, the iPAQ Pocket PC, from late July to early August.

The iPAQ Pocket PC is being pitched against the Palm IIIc, offering more powerful multimedia capabilities and an Intel StrongARM 206MHz processor compared to the Palm's 33MHz processor. Compaq said the handheld's 240 X 320 resolution colour-reflective thin-film transistor LCD display would be bright enough to be easily viewed outdoors.

But the outstanding feature of Compaq's new pocket PC is a series of expansion jackets due to be launched in the third and fourth quarters of this year. An initial range of four interchangeable jackets are planned, which will transform the iPAQ Pocket PC into an MP3 player, mobile phone, digital camera or a global positioning system (GPS) device.

Portables product manager Paull Wilson said each jacket would slip over the iPAQ Pocket PC and greatly extend its functionality without adding significantly to its bulk. While the GPS jacket was a niche product, Mr Wilson expected sales of the cellular phone jacket to approach a one-to-one ratio with the mother device, with the digital camera somewhere behind.

Mr Wilson said it was unclear who would provide some services such as GPS moving maps in New Zealand, but he confirmed that cellphone jackets would be launched both for Vodafone's GSM/GPRS network and Telecom CDMA services.Local pricing for the iPAQ Pocket PC and its jackets has not been confirmed, but in the US where it was launched this month it retails at $US499 ($1061).

Users of the Windows CE-based Aero would be offered an upgrade to Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system, Mr Wilson said, but after that the Aero brand would disappear.

The iPAQ desktop, which is similar in concept and appearance to Hewlett-Packards e-Vectra range, will be available from early next month in two legacy free and six legacy light versions.

The Legacy Free iPAQ will come pre-configured with Windows 2000 only and will rely on five Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports to connect with peripherals. The other version will come with a choice of Windows operating systems and will include parallel, serial and PS/2 ports.

Compared with its racy black and silver exterior, the internal specifications of the iPAQ are somewhat pedestrian. Models will be offered with a choice of Celeron or Pentium III processors running at 500MHz and maximum disk capacity is 8Gb.

Pricing will not be announced until next month.

Product marketing manager Jan Ferguson said while the iPAQ was being targeted at business users, it was possible that a consumer version would appear in a few months.